The 1960s

The 1960's brought with it new stations and rigs. Two new American La France 1250 gpm pumpers were purchased and delivered. Engine 2 in May, 1961 and Engine 7 in October. The Walteria station was replaced by Station 2 on April 5, 1962. It was built on airport property and housed an engine for residences, and when Crash Unit 1, a 1962 Dodge/American La France, was delivered on September 26,1962, it provided protection for airplanes fires as well. The training tower and drill grounds adjoining Station 2 would be completed and dedicated by March 16, 1964.

On January 1, 1964, the Torrance Fire Department, by City Council Ordinance No. 1447, went from a two platoon to a three platoon system. The staffing would grow from 82 firefighters in 1963 to 128 firefighters by 1965-66. In 1966, the department purchased another American La France engine, we now had three new engines. By November 1966, a 100' aerial ladder was added to the fleet.

In 1966, under the direction of Chief Benner, fire call boxes were introduced to Torrance. After 5 years of planning 38 call boxes were installed and connected to the dispatching center where they were under 24 hour monitoring. On October 31,1966, Chief Benner retired.

In 1967, Station 5 on Del Amo Blvd. was built and dedicated. Robert Lucas was appointed Fire Chief on August 21, 1967. He would serve until May 31, 1973.

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